October 23-25 | Defending the Future of Free Media

The 2025 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival will bring together the world’s leading journalists, editors, and media thinkers to confront the challenges facing journalism today and chart a path forward to safeguard free media for future generations.

Under the theme “Defending the Future of Free Media”, this year’s World Congress also marks IPI’s milestone 75th anniversary – a chance to reflect on 75 years of defending press freedom, strengthen the resilience and solidarity we need now, and collaborate on a vision for the future of public-interest journalism.

IPI World Congress

For over seven decades, the IPI World Congress has served as a platform for global dialogue and solidarity in defense of free media and public-interest journalism. The 2025 Congress builds on that legacy, providing a critical space for open exchange of ideas and solutions against the backdrop of rising threats to journalism and press freedom worldwide.

Over three days in Vienna, we’re bringing together leading journalists, editors, media innovators, and journalism supporters to learn, share, and strategize together on defending the future of free media.

Media Innovation Festival

As a core part of the Congress, the Media Innovation Festival will bring together a pioneering global group of digital-native media startups and innovation leaders. Together, we’ll explore new tools, strategies, and business models shaping the future of journalism, with a strong focus on innovation’s role in enhancing the sustainability of media organizations.

The IPI-IMS Award Ceremony

A key moment of the 2025 IPI World Congress will be the award ceremony for the 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer awards, honouring those defending the public’s right to know.

The World Press Freedom Hero Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in upholding press freedom, while the Free Media Pioneer Award honours organizations leading innovation in defense of public-interest news.

Congress attendees are invited to join for a special evening reception to reflect, honor, and stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines of independent journalism.

This is a time that calls for solidarity, collaboration, and reaffirming the values that we share.

Join us in Vienna, October 23-25 to celebrate IPI’s 75th anniversary and shape the future of free media together.

Become a partner or sponsor for #IPIWoCo2025

Interested in becoming our sponsor or partner for the 2025 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival?

Write to Grace Linczer at [email protected] with the subject “IPI WoCo 2025 Partnership/Sponsorship inquiry” for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the programme and speakers be announced?

We will announce key speakers, sessions, and the full programme in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates by following us on our social media and subscribing to our newsletter.

When and where is the event taking place?

The 2025 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival will take place from October 23-25, 2025, at the Schönbrunn Orangery and Apothekertrakt in Vienna, Austria, on the grounds of the historic Schönbrunn Palace. The event will start in the late afternoon on Thursday, October 23. A detailed schedule will be available ahead of the event.

Who can attend the Congress?

The event is open to those working in independent media outlets or as freelancers as well as to press freedom advocates; journalist students; media freedom supporters; and anyone committed to the future of free and independent journalism. For security reasons, all registrations will be reviewed and verified to determine eligibility.

What is the event code of conduct?

The International Press Institute is committed to providing a respectful, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants at the IPI World Congress. IPI is a strong believer in diversity and welcomes participants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, or disability.

Harassment and threats in any form – including but not limited to verbal, physical, and sexual harassment – are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Discrimination, sexual harassment, or other inappropriate conduct will be grounds for expulsion from the Congress.

By registering, you agree to the 2025 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival Code of Conduct.

Recording notice

Some sessions may be photographed, video/audio-recorded, screen captured, and/or live-streamed. Images of attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors may be captured via these formats. Recordings may be reproduced, distributed, or used in any way.

How do I register for the event?

You can register online via [Eventbrite].

What does my registration cover?

Your ticket grants access to:

All World Congress and Media Innovation Festival sessions and workshops (unless otherwise noted)
The opening evening welcome reception
The IPI-IMS Press Freedom Awards ceremony and reception
Networking events and coffee breaks
Lunch on October 24 and October 25

Are there discounted rates available?

Yes, we offer:

Early bird discounts available until May 1, 2025.
Discounted registration for members of the IPI global network. Learn more about membership here.
A limited number of student discounts are available for attendees who can provide proof of student status. For more details, please contact
[email protected].
We are committed to making the Congress as accessible as possible, including for freelancers and others who may face financial barriers. We offer discounted registration rates for individuals who would otherwise be unable to attend. If this applies to you, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Where is the venue?

The Schönbrunn Orangery and Apothekertrakt is centrally located in Vienna, located on the grounds of the city’s historic Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The venue is easily accessible via Vienna’s world-class public transportation network. More information is available on the venue website here.

Are there recommended hotels for attendees?

Yes, we have partnered with several hotels offering special rates for Congress attendees. We will have a selection of hotels and available booking codes in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Do I need a visa to attend?

Visa requirements vary by country. Attendees traveling from outside the Schengen Area should check visa regulations. IPI can provide an invitation letter for visa applications upon request. Please write to [email protected] if you wish to receive an invitation letter for visa purposes.